Reflections on Matthew...


The "Abomination of Desolation" as discussed in the book of Daniel and referenced by Jesus in the section of his Olivet discourse that we studied this week from Matthew chapter 24 is an often debated topic among scholars and theologians.  Whether Jesus is referring to the destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70AD, a future event during the end times, or perhaps even some combination of both is difficult to say with certainty.

What we can all agree upon though is that Jesus' teaching had important implications for 1st century Christians living under harsh Roman rule...and we can continue to learn much from them still today.  The current "war of words" between President Trump (and the US Government) and the the totalitarian leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, reminds us that "great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world, no, and never will be" could be just the push of a button away.  You see, every generation experiences great struggles and suffering that seem, at the time, to be historic in scale.  In first century Palestine, it was from the hand of Caesar; in 1940's Europe, it was Adolf Hitler who was to blame; today it could be Un, or ISIS, or some new menace, who draws our ire.

My point is simply, that we live in a fallen and broken world full of fallen and broken people who thirst for power and glory at any cost.  True, by and large, the sinfulness of most people doesn't play out on the world stage with worldwide consequences, but in communities, schools, workplaces, families, churches, etc. all around the world, people are hurting other people in all kinds of sinful ways...believers and non-believers alike.  The problem is sin...and until Christ's return, the problem will always be sin.

Sin inevitably leads to tribulation and suffering.  The greater the sin, the more "powerful" the sinner, the more far reaching the destruction will be.  As long as we live in a world with sin, we will experience the pain that sin causes.  As Christians, we understand intimately the problem of sin, as well as its one and only cure.  This doesn't mean though that we are immune to it.  In fact, to be Christian, I believe, makes us far more aware of sin, its symptoms, and its deadly prognosis.  In many ways, for the non-believer, ignorance can be bliss.

Too often, people have been fooled into thinking that Christianity (or more accurately...a "sinner's prayer") serves as some type of magical incantation that wards off evil and fills our lives with sunshine, rainbows, and pixie dust.  Unfortunately, as Jesus taught us, and two thousand year's worth of martyrdom can attest, the Christian life isn't one free of suffering, but rather it is one that is built to withstand it.

For believers, our hope and faith is rooted in our understanding of who Jesus is and what he has accomplished, on our behalf, upon the cross.  The Gospel gives us hope and strength, even in the midst of unimaginable suffering.  It isn't easy, it isn't fun, but through the power of the Gospel, perseverance for the believer is not only possible, but expected.  As Cody so aptly said this week in his sermon, "saving faith is faith that endures and perseveres to the end - that's the only kind of saving faith that there is - if it doesn't endure to the end, if it doesn't persevere to the end, it wasn't saving faith."

By God's grace, we, as Christians, have been saved...and it is by his grace that we endure and persevere until the end.  No matter how tight I lace up my boots, I can't do it on my own, in my own power.  Neither can you.  It is the power of the Gospel in us and through us that endures until the end.

As the Apostle Paul wrote to his beloved pupil Timothy in one of his final letters: "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."  As we contemplate this week upon Jesus' teaching in Matthew 24, let us be encouraged and exhorted to fight the good fight and run the race set before us with endurance...always pressing forward in faith, even when the road before us is difficult, or even scary.

In Grace,
Chris Morris

If you missed this week's sermon (or just want to listen again), follow the link below to listen. Or subscribe to our podcast in iTunes.

Part 83 - Abomination of Desolation

Questions discussed in this sermon:
1.  What event was Jesus prophesying about?
2.  How does Jesus instruct His followers living during the abomination of desolation?
3.  What does this text mean for us today?

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